A woman, Martha, who had forgiven the killer of her mother and cousin and even employed him, was tragically murdered by the same man. Martha’s mother, Sally Snowden McKay, and her cousin, Joseph “Lee” Baker, were brutally killed at their estate on Horseshoe Lake in Arkansas in 1996. Despite the heinous crime, Martha chose compassion and developed a friendship with the convicted murderer, Travis Lewis, during his time in prison. Lewis, who had admitted guilt but not confessed, blamed another individual for the murders. Despite warnings from friends, Martha supported Lewis’ release and offered him a job at Snowden House, a luxury bed and breakfast she had renovated at the murder site.
Martha’s decision to trust Lewis eventually led to her own tragic death at the age of 63 in 2020. She was found brutally murdered in her home, with evidence suggesting that Lewis intended to steal valuables before her death. The killer attempted to flee but drowned in the lake nearby. Subsequent investigations confirmed the identity of the assailant as Lewis, who had also murdered another woman from the same family 23 years later. Toxicology reports revealed the presence of drugs in Lewis’ system, shedding light on the tragic events that unfolded. Family and friends expressed shock and disbelief at Martha’s untimely demise, remembering her vibrant and cherished life.
Authorities pursued the suspect, who attempted to escape but met a fatal end in the lake. The tragic turn of events highlighted the devastating consequences of Martha’s act of forgiveness and trust towards her mother and cousin’s killer.